Statement by Erin Shapero, Land and Water Program Manager, on Waterloo’s decision to appeal the OMB ruling

Toronto, ON — We applaud the Region of Waterloo’s decision to fight back against last week’s OMB ruling. The Region had done the right thing by creating an official plan designed to curb sprawl and build more livable communities, meeting the goals set out by the province in its Places to Grow Act. The OMB’s ruling – which overturned parts of the Region’s official plan – is the equivalent of a slap on the wrist for a municipality trying to do exactly what it was asked. The OMB’s ruling rewards those developers that want to keep sprawling, gobbling up prime farmland with cookie cutter developments that already cover much of the landscape in southern Ontario. The OMB ruled that the Region needs to open up over 1,000 hectares of land for low-density sprawl, more than 10 times the area in the official plan. The decision could kill the province’s Places to Grow Act, its density targets, timelines and any hope of preventing more urban sprawl in the Greater Golden Horseshoe. The outcome of this hearing, if left unchallenged, could have significant impact across the Greater Golden Horseshoe and beyond. The implications are serious for municipalities and their residents who deserve better from the planning process. About ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (www.environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is Canada’s most effective environmental action organization. We challenge, and inspire change in government, business and people to ensure a greener, healthier and prosperous life for all. -30- For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact: Naomi Carniol, Environmental Defence, 416-323-9521 ext. 258; 416-570-2878 (cell) ncarniol@environmentaldefence.ca